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Meet the Lakeland Creek Family

Because you want to get to know the people behind the dental procedures before your visit, don't you?

If we may toot our own horn for a minute, we think the staff here at Lakeland Creek is what makes us the best dental practice around. And since strangers are just people you haven’t met, let us introduce ourselves.

Dr. Mark Dankowski - The Dentist Himself.

Dr. Dankowski always knew he wanted to be a dentist. His childhood dream of becoming a dentist was fulfilled upon graduation from University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2006. He is now a member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental association, and Northwest Indiana Dental society.

Although he is well versed in all areas of General Dentistry, Dr. Dankowski has developed a very special interest in the CT-scan Guided Dental Implant surgery. At the heart of his philosophy on patient care, is an attempt to come up with the most cost effective and the most lasting treatment solutions for all of his patients. He believes that an ability to attentively listen to the patients' needs is the most crucial trait that a dentist can have and holds himself to this philosophy with each and every patient. Dr. Dankowski especially loves children and while his youngest patients keep him happy and positive all day long with the funny things they say, they perpetually inspire him to be the kindest and most caring dentist.

In his spare time, Dr. Dankowski can be found sailing on Lake Michigan in a summer time. Dr. Dankowski is a big dog-lover and has strong reverence when it comes to protecting animals. He also likes to attend theatrical performances of all varieties and tries to see as many classical and jazz concerts as he can. Dr. Dankowski lives in Chicago with his wife Julie, their daughter Lauren and two dogs, Gracie and Leyla.

Administrative Team – Running Everything Behind the Scenes.

Lauren – Baby/Greeter
Lauren is a full-time baby and a part-time greeter at Lakeland Creek. Lauren was born in July of 2015 and soon after joined front desk. When she is not performing her office duties, Lauren likes to attend exercise classes for babies, listen to her mom and dad reading her books, watch cartoons and play with her sisters. Lauren resides in downtown Chicago with her dad, Dr. Dankowski and her mom, Julie. She has a brother Boris and two sisters: Gracie and Leyla. Gracie has a long tail and she is a German Shepherd. Leyla has a very short tail and she is a Boxer.

Samantha – Business Assistant
Samantha joined the Lakeland team as a business assistant in 2015 and has been delivering world-class customer service to our patients ever since. She has an extensive background in administrative work, insurance and customer service in dentistry as well as other fields of medicine. Samantha is recently married and when she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her 2 dogs and traveling.

Hygiene Team - Your Partners in Cleaner, Healthier Teeth

Paula – Dental Hygienist
Paula joined the Lakeland Creek team in 2011, but she’s been in the dental field for over 20 years. During that time, she’s always been focused on continuing education, starting off as a Certified Dental Assistant, but kicked it up a notch to Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. She graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2005 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She also holds a local anesthesia permit. Her goal is to connect personally and professional with every patient, considering each one a member of her “dental family,” along with her coworkers.

On the personal side, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, gardening and above all, really enjoying life to the fullest.

Lauren Mink – Dental Hygienist
Lauren graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2011 and was the salutatorian of her dental hygiene class. She also completed additional training and received her permit to administer local anesthesia which allows her to make patients who are undergoing therapy for gum disease more comfortable or simply alleviate any general sensitivity her patients may be experiencing.

Lauren loves to educate her patients on their oral health and hygiene habits. She stays up to date on current treatment methods and products. She believes in customizing her recommendations and instructions to each individual patient. She understands that a "one size fits all" plan does not work for everyone. Lauren works to help patients overcome any hurdles they may have pertaining to dentistry and strives to give them the tools they need to take their health and well-being into their own hands.

Restorative Team – Making Smiles Whole Again.

Kim – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Kim has held this position at Lakeland Creek since 2011. She finds great satisfaction in education patients and helping them overcome their dental fears. She’s married with two daughters and three grandkids, an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan and enjoys gardening and party planning in her free time.

Jackie – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Jackie earned her Dental Assistant Degree in Tempe, AZ in 1989 and has worked in both private and corporate general dental practices in the states of AZ, IL and IN. She’s been at Lakeland Creek as an expanded functions dental assistant since 2011. Her main objective is to assist in providing quality, caring and compassionate dental care to all patients.

In her spare time, she enjoys working in her yard, camping, going to concerts and spending time with her 2 sons, granddaughter, family and friends.